Jaguar Unveils C-X17 Concept, Preview of Future Q-Type?

Posted by: Kenny Chan onSeptember 12th, 2013

Automakers have always lined up their model productions to what consumers want; they are in the money making game afterall. Increasingly this has meant SUVs and crossovers. If you recall, Porsche was in dire financial times before they launched the Cayenne. Porsche fans cried foul that their beloved automaker would ruin the brand by launching the SUV, but without the Cayenne, Porsche may not even be around today. Jaguar may be the latest automaker who will introduce a crossover into their lineup if the C-X17 Concept is any indication. The automaker unveiled the concept at this years Frankfurt Motor Show.

“The C-X17 sports crossover represents an exciting new direction for Jaguar. Its purpose is to highlight our all-new aluminium architecture. With this technical foundation, we will dramatically expand Jaguar’s product offering, market potential and customer appeal. This new philosophy will bring technology from our luxury products into an accessible price segment, and when combined with our new ultra-efficient engines, we will set a global standard. Add to these rational values, the class-leading dynamics, and the beauty and purity of form that Jaguar is renowned for, and we have the formula for a monumental leap forward.”

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

The C-X17 Concept was built to introduce Jaguar’s all-new advanced aluminum monocoque architecture, which they call iQ[Al]. This new platform will be the basis of a range of future Jaguar vehicles. However, although a crossover was used to introduce the iQ[Al] platform, the first production vehicle will be a mid-sized sedan due to rollout sometime in 2015. It would then be followed by, presumably, a crossover based on what we are seeing now. Early reports suggest the crossover will be called the Q-Type.

The exterior design of the C-X17 looks great and definitely fits into the Jaguar family. This is probably because it borrows many of its design cues from other models in the lineup. The front for example is very reminiscent of the XJ while the rear looks like it came from the F-TYPE. The overall look of the C-X17 reminds me of the Land Rover Evoque. I think if the production model looks remotely close to this concept, Jaguar fans will have no problem with it joining the family.